Community Brag Posts

54" Bench with Cross Bracing

Submitted by Johno1826 on Fri, 11/06/2020 - 11:50

54" Bench with Cross Bracing, used the plans on this site, plans were great, easy to follow. I used a 2 x 12 for the bench top to give it more heft. I think it looks better than a 1 x 12.
On to the next plan.

Estimated Cost
$50
Finish Used
3 to 1 mixture of Early American & Espresso stain with a touch of Barn Red stain.
Put 3 coats of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by JillianD on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 16:05

Calling myself an amateur builder is a colossal overstatement. I’ve never actually built anything, by hand, using wood. I’m quite crafty and very good at hacking things inspired by others {thank you all other bloggers and Pinterest for your continued inspiration}, but to actually build something from the ground up just hasn’t been added to the curriculum vitae…until now.

I actually hail from a family of handy builders. My grandpa used to build everything, from decorative shelves and stools to more utilitarian items, like bookcases and kitchen cabinets. My father, too, is quite handy; he’s the build-a-back-deck weekend warrior type.

This was my first Weekend Warrior project. My deadline: Thanksgiving dinner! I had no other table option. I either built this table or my friends and family were eating on the floor.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
weathered oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Juanita_r

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 12:56

Just wanted to say (apart from "i love the table") that your story has inspired me to finally jump in. i too am like you, never physically built anything with wood, but have done some revamps and have done a ton of other crafts (i too would like to thank pinterest). reading what you said has just given me that finally push!!! Thanku

JillianD

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 17:14

Hi Juanita! Yay, I'm so glad. It really was a fun and empowering project. I can't tell you how many people looked at me like I was crazy, but a little patience and elbow grease can go a long, long way! Good luck and I can't wait to see the finished project.

rhettar

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:53

You did a great job! I love the finish you chose. Isn't it amazing when you think you can't do something and then when you finish it, you're like wow I did that! Ana's site has inspired me so much and I love to see that she has inspired so many others and to see the beautiful things they are making with their own two hands. Again awesome job and beautiful table!

My sawhorse desk

Submitted by DogDoc25 on Wed, 11/05/2014 - 11:27

This was a fun and relatively easy project. I'd been looking for a compact desk for my tiny office, and decided on this one when I found it. The angles aren't that tricky, and I didn't have a really hard time with cutting the corners on the shelves. This would be a hard one to tackle without a miter saw, so I wouldn't recommend it. But with a miter saw, it's pretty easy and only took me about 2-3 hours to put together! I haven't stained it yet...I was originally planning on a maple color, but I'm liking the lighter look of the unstained wood, so I'll probably end up going with a light golden oak color eventually. Fun project, thanks Ana and Shanty!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Large Porch Bench with X Backs to highlight feature wall

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/09/2020 - 16:29

Using the Ana White plans of Large porch Bench with X backs I was able to create this amazing area in the entrance way of our home. The bench was part of a larger project where I added the modeling and shelves to the wall. The plans were great, I just made the bench a bit smaller, as the original size was a bit overwhelming inside the home.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Swedish Country Doll Beds

Submitted by CaroStyle on Fri, 01/11/2013 - 14:41

I made two little doll beds, complete with bedding, for my two little granddaughters and decorated to suggest 'Swedish Country'. I had such fun making them. I'm going to post them with the rails disassembled so they can be easily rescrewed together.

I reused lots of bits and pieces of wood I had on hand to make the bed. I also used paint and small pieces of fabric I had on hand for the bedding.

The girls are only 20 months and 4 years old and they both play with baby dolls constantly. The four year old has only just started to get interested in American Girl Dolls. I made the beds, thinking of the baby dolls, but big enough for 18 inch dolls, later on.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $10 for two beds - used scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The green bed is Marret Apple from California Paint's Historic New England colors, and the blue bed is Summer Blue from Benj Moore, both in flat finish. Benj.Moore White Dove (in semi gloss) for the flowers and an acrylic felt pen for the lining.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mantel Moulding Headboard with Teal Accent

Submitted by jmiracle on Sat, 11/08/2014 - 10:49

Used the smaller Dentil crown, and the blue accent that will match the accents on the end table that i will also put up when finished

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200?
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

cabin bunk system

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2017 - 07:59

this project was pretty easy over all, I had a little trouble getting the drawers level, but that was about it. I did have to change the measurements to make it a full size bed but it came out fitting perfectly!!

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Writing Desk with Drawer for my Office

Submitted by HandySandy on Sat, 11/14/2020 - 10:31

I needed an additional desk at work to organize all my paperwork and files. I couldn't find anything that I liked on Office Depot and Amazon in my budget range, then decided to search Ana's site for plans to make my own and at the same time, get to try out my new Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Edge Guide. I purchased lumber from the local big box (note: disappointed to only find 2x2's out of furring strip wood). Anyhow, I followed Ana's plans and couldn't be more happier with the end result! I love the fact that I'll now have a nice big drawer at work!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$107
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Drawer front - Dark Walnut (Rustoleum Stain + Polyurethane); Frame - Icicles (blue-grey) by Behr Ultra Stain-blocking Paint & Primer in One
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cheap & simple entryway table

Submitted by robindres on Mon, 01/14/2013 - 12:24

This was a great project to begin with. I used pocket holes instead of finishing nails. I also added another shelf and trim work.

Estimated Cost
$60 (Includes paint brushes, stain, and everything!)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut stain (one coat). Minwax wood conditioner. Polyurethane 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Fancy X Desk

This is the second X desk I have built. For this one I used a pre-done aspen piece for the top that I got from Lowes for $40.00. That was the only modification.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-oleum "Traditional Cherry" 1 coat and wiped off immediately, then 2 coats of poly on the base and 4 on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sliding Door Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/16/2017 - 08:53

overall pretty easy porject took me about 8 hours to build/paint I sized it down a little made it only 32" tall and about 64" wide but keeping the depth to the plans. The barn door hardware I ended up building myself. I took 4 1" pulleys bolted those to the doors and the track I built using some angle iron and 3/8" metal dowel. The stain is 'golden oak' from min wax and I just used a simple white paint two coats.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
roughly $175.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak (one coat)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Stool Makeover - Vintage Drink Labels

Our new place has a kitchen island, so we needed stools. We had been searching the internet for vintage drafting stools, but could not justify spending over $200 a stool. We stopped at the local Goodwill and found two stools for $7 a piece. To make it even better they were on sale. We spent under $10 for the two.

Check out my blog for more photos of the process.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Built in Shelving

Submitted by JoeP on Thu, 11/13/2014 - 16:34

A company wanted to charge us $5800 for this!  All told I think I spent about $500.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

X Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/19/2017 - 05:48

Ana, 

My wife saw this and wanted one to match her benchwright coffee table. I decided to make her one and used rough cut pine to get that look. Just used 80 grit to knock off the roughness but not enough to sand into the saw marks and was pleased with how good the results came out. I don't like exposed fasteners so all the joints are pocket hole screwed and glued and the table top is biscuit jointed and the end piece is doweled into the long runners. Love your website and the other projects that you have shown here. Keep up the great work!

Josie

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mahogany stain and spar urethane topcoat (4 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm House Table & Benches

Submitted by 3G1B on Fri, 11/27/2020 - 07:27

I couldn’t find 4x4s so I planed 2x6s flat and glued them together. Used it for the first time yesterday for our Thanksgiving dinner.

Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Grey stain and many coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Three Bin Laundry Sorter

Submitted by Meyer1120 on Mon, 01/21/2013 - 21:10

Modified the original plan to meet our needs of a laundry sorter. Had problems with the hinges so ditched them. I used dowels with a combination of a chamfer cut on the bottom of the door. Dado-ed the trim on the doors and slide the bead board panels in. The face frame is all held together with pocket hole screws, which I highly recommend because it eliminates nail holes and keeps the face frame square. This was my first wood working project, took me a little long to get it done. Thanks for looking.

Modified January 28

So here are some more pictures of my project. I don't really have any good pictures of the dowels. But what I can tell you is, I drilled holes through the sides of the face frame and the trim pieces and then measured where the holes would be in relation to the "drawer". I then drilled holes in the drawers at those measurements, I was careful to not go to deep. I think I went in half an inch. After that I started at one end and placed the dowels in, then put each drawer in. It wasn't easy but with a little patience it worked. The key is to wax the dowels so they will last longer as well. I also am including pictures of the top and bottom trim. On the top the original plans called for an overhang piece and I didn't like the way that looked. I ran the top board an inch long on each side and then wrapped it in quarter round trim. I did this because I plan on adding the Mimi Hutch Top. The bottom was built per the plan, but I ran into a problem with my bottom trim not being level and you could tell. So I raised the whole unit on 1 1/2 legs then placed it on a level surface and again wrapped it in a decorative trim. The key on both trims was a nice miter joint. Last picture I added was of my stoppers. I took scrap from the 1x2 trim and cut them to an inch and a half or two (can't really remember), then using the Kreg Jig drill bit drilled recessed holes. I then opened the doors until the side 45s were level then mounted the blocks on each side. I feel that it is better than a chain or string catch. Again thanks for looking and I hope I answered all of your questions.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primmer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

moosmani

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 11:29

Dowels! What a great idea! Would you mind sharing how you did it? Could you possibly add some pictures showing the dowels? You did a great job. It looks beautiful.

mullid1

Thu, 01/24/2013 - 09:27

I love what you have made! Could you post pictures of the top and the bottom trim? I'm very impressed that this is your first project!

mullid1

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 09:12

Thank you for the photos and new instructions! You're awesome!!!

VLT

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 12:05

This is lovely; I like the trim job you did. Is there a way to post the plans so we can all get to them. I cannot believe this was your first project!

Liz82

Sat, 11/16/2013 - 18:23

I am a little confused. I love the three bin laundry sorter, but everyone is mentioning plans. I am not finding plans for it on the site. Also, what goes in to hold the clothes? There may be obvious answers, but I am not seeing them. I'd appreciate any help you could give.

towering inferno

Tue, 12/02/2014 - 02:58

I've been thinking of working up one very similar to this, also with 3 bins, but I didn't want to use chain either.  Those stoppers will be ideal - do you put them on both sides or is one enough?  Thanks for the share!

Karahd

Sat, 01/24/2015 - 11:29

Hi-

Im not sure if you still have the plans to this awesome project, but if you do, would you be able to share them with me? Ive been looking to make something like this forever, but just couldnt find any help!

thanks,
karah
[email protected]

petemoore

Mon, 02/08/2016 - 07:46

hi im the same as everyone can you send me the build plans with dimensions etc

many thanks

virginie D.

Wed, 03/02/2016 - 14:49

Hi

It's exactely what i need. so amazing. Someone can send me the plan please? I'm so newbie to do tat all by myself without plans. Thanks you.

virginie D.

Wed, 03/02/2016 - 14:49

Hi

It's exactely what i need. so amazing. Someone can send me the plan please? I'm so newbie to do tat all by myself without plans. Thanks you.

ajbreaux

Mon, 05/02/2016 - 14:22

My wife loves this . if its possible could i get the plans and hopefully have time to build it to give to her for mothers day ? thanks 

Kimhubbell

Fri, 12/02/2016 - 11:01

I would also love to have the plans for the 3 bin sorter. I am barely an intermediate so more specifics would be a huge help! Thanks to anyone who could help.

lworthy

Mon, 07/10/2017 - 04:19

 I absolutely LOVE your laundry sorter!!!! You did a fabulous job and the TRIM, WOW amazing!!!! I've searched Ana's website and cant find the plans' could you please email me the plans to [email protected].  I started building my own furinture back in October 2016 and the reward is amazing... Keep up the good work.

Happy Building,

Lisa

woodmama

Tue, 01/16/2018 - 22:18

I'm too new at woodworking to be able to tackle this right now, but would love to download the plans for future. My most successful project so far is a pretty standard bookshelf. I got a free plan, with lots of guidelines and explanations, at https://tinyurl.com/ydeup8lo -- it came with a 440 page guide, "The Art of Woodworking" that has tips and techniques, and am plowing through that right now.

momto3

Wed, 02/28/2018 - 12:53

This is amazing.  I am very new to woodworking.  Could you send me the plans please?  I would be most appreciatative 

Ljohns

Wed, 03/11/2020 - 23:27

I would love to have the plans for the three bin laundry sorter to build for my laundry room. Are the plans available? Awesome work!

Shower Gift

I made these for my new niece-  Here's my story with recipe for a homemade sealer as the dye runs on drooly faces.

http://onblissstreet.blogspot.com/2014/10/sweet-baby-p.html

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
food coloring and homemade sealer. Recipe on my blog.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Patio Table

Submitted by marcosdos on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 14:33

I loved Ana's 4x4 Truss Beam Table which was my inspiration for building this outdoor patio table Yesterday, I had a lot of fun. I used brown pressure treate wood because I wanted a table for my patio which would be weather resitant, a strong, great looking table that goes well with the rest of my patio anf I bet it wil last for a long time... Ready to entertain family and friends as soos as Spring comes!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
CAD $250 = US $190
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Stocking Stand

Submitted by knoxadam on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 11:04

Thanks for the plans! Modified the scale, really happy with the results.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American

Tryde Coffee Table

Tryde coffee table for the living room

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate